| MY POND CRITTERS!! |
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| I stocked my pond with Sarasa Comet Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and a couple bullfrog tadpoles (per request of the kids). There are a total of 5. They are quite active and add a whole new dimension of color to the garden. They also do a great job at keeping the mosquitos at bay. They don't however, like water beetles. They merely think of them as "entertainment". |
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| The Aquamat Mini that you see here is a great tool for water gardens that include fish. They are a unique bio-habitat structure with many different benefits. My fish dart behind it whenever they feel threatened. This Aquamat will also become the foundation for the creation of natural foods as it matures and is covered in algae, bacterium and other microscopic goodies. |
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| The filter system that I use is merely a square net pot with lava rock and carbon filled filter pads. the pump that feeds the fall is in the middle and draws all the "nasties" through the filter system. I also added a small culture of "live bacterium" to kick start the cycle. I had very little clouding from the nitrogen buildup. |
| Another important step in ensuring good water quality is to utilize floating plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce. These plants have long, trailing root systems that draw out the "nasties" in the water. They also provide cover and an additional food source for the fish. Be careful, these plants multiply quickly!! |
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| Finally, Running water ensures that aeration takes place. Fish need oxygen. Although goldfish will come to the top for air, it is not natural. A healthy pond needs some sort of aeration. |
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